Propelling means for boats



Dec. 8, 1925 F. LE ROY PROPELLING MEANS FOR'BOATS Filed Jan. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F. LE ROY PROPELLING MEANS FOR BOATS Filed Jan/2 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNIV Patented Dec, 8, lQZEi.

. n i w r s PBQPELLZIXG lll'EAlilS FOR BOATS.

Application filed January 28, 1925,

ling Means for Boats, 01" which the following is a specification.

This invention contemplates the provision of a simple, novel and durable construction of means for propelling boats, wherein use is made of one or more endless chains mounted to move longitudinally of the boat and provided with a series of paddles, the paddles carried by the lower run of the chain being submersed tor propelling the boat.

The nature and advantages of the invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, the invention residing in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawings forming part of this application, like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and wherein Figure 1 is a side elevation.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure l is a bottom plan view oi the boat.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 10 represents a boat of any well known construction, the bottom of which at either side of the longitudinal center is provided with longitudinal openings to accommodate the propelling mechanism to be presently described.

The mechanism embodies spaced parallel shafts which are arranged transversely of the bottom as shown in Figures 2 and 3, these shatts being indicated at 11 and respectively. Each shaft supports a pair of drums or the like 18 which are arran; d to operate in the openings in the bottom or the boat above referred to. These drums are of course used in pairs, and trained or each pair ot said drums is an endless l' elt 14: whi h is provided with a series of; paddles Serial No. 5,345.

15. Conequently there is one 01'? these end-- less liielts arranged longitudinally at each side of the longitudinal center of the boat. operating in the openings aoove referred to ind disposed so that the paddles on the .ower run oi each belt are submersed in the to efi'ectively and advantageousl propel the boat, while the paddles carried by the upper run oi the belt always arranged above the water level. The belts may be operated in any suitable manner, but I preferably provide the shaft 11 with a crank portion 16 which is associated with a pitman or connecting rod 17 which is adapted to be reciprocated by a motor not shown. Upon inspection of Figure 2 it will be noted that each endless chain operates in a suitable guide 18, each guide being of substanstantially inverted U-shaped formation in cross section. and of a length equal to the length of the opening above referred to there being one of these guides arranged in each opening as shown. The guides are also used to prevent water from finding its way into the boat, each guide having its outer side 19 comparatively wide to extend beneath the bottom of the boat and terminating substantially in a plane with the lower edges or the paddles 15.

While it is believed that from the toregoing description, the nature and advantages ot the invention will be readily apparent, I desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to what is herein shown and described, and that such changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

The combination with a boat having spaced longitudinal openings in the bottom thereof, an inverted channel member of U- shaped formation in cross section arranged within the boat and covering the adjacent opening to prevent water from entering in the boat through said opening, the corresponding inner walls of the respective menibers reposing upon the adjacent edges of said opening, the corresponding outer walls of. said members projecting through said opening, flanges projecting laterally from the last mentioned walls but reposing upon the sides of the boat to assist in holding the Water with the lower run thereof, a crank portion formed on one of said shafts, and a reciprocating rod connected with said 0 crank portion for rotating said shaft for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I affix in signature.

FRANK LE ROY. 

